CYPRESS, CA, June 1, 2004 - Recognizing the need to have planetary defenses strong and ready to respond at a moment’s notice, the Earth Alliance today issued a call to service for all able-bodied citizens interested in pilot training for Mobile Suit Gundams. This signifies the first time the esteemed Gundam Pilot Academy (http://www.gundampilotacademy.com) has allowed open enrollment in its prestigious training programs.

“We realized our recruitment methods in the past, while effective, perhaps relied too much on covert methods and family legacies,” said Academy Master Sergeant Sandra Leo. “I know there are young men and women out there who dream of the Academy and the exciting life of a Gundam pilot, and we felt that by opening our doors to the general populace we could find those pilots with exceptional gifts whom we may have overlooked in the past.”

While the announcement took many by surprise, and raised concerns amongst the governing council, the Academy stressed that this is in no way a lowering of standards amongst its ranks. “The training is so rigorous and thorough that it’s virtually impossible for someone not up to the task to make it to graduation,” said Rear Admiral Buskin Alexander (B.A.) Avatar, Director of Enrollment at the Academy. “We live in a constantly changing world, and we need to select our pilot candidates from the largest pool possible.”

With the latest Mobile Suit series, Gundam Seed currently airing on Cartoon Network, Academy administrators expect to see enrollment on the rise as the epic story of the Earth Alliance and the ZAFT rebellion unfolds for viewers, reminding them of battles past.

Indeed, the Seed conflict will be key to much of the Pilot Academy training, with simulations and tests focused on that chapter of Gundam history. Academy instructors also indicate that viewings of Gundam Seed may prove helpful for students wanting to get a leg up on the curriculum, and additional study aids may be found in the wide assortment of replica mobile suits and models from manufacturer Bandai America.

Pilot candidates will find themselves gathering merits, competing in challenges, and participating in squadron building exercises. As pilots log in to the Academy’s website and accrue more flight hours towards earning their wings, their chances of being awarded commendations and monthly packages of Gundam Seed products from Bandai America increase. A lucky few will even be selected to represent the Academy in a pilot exchange program with the U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.

Those who think they have what it takes to be a Gundam pilot are encouraged to submit their application to the Academy immediately. Additional details and application materials can be found at http://www.gundampilotacademy.com

About the Gundam Pilot Academy
An elite training institution, the Gundam Pilot Academy is known for its outstanding curriculum and rigorous combat instruction of Mobile Suit Pilots, many of whom have gone on to achieve recognition in the history books of the Earth Alliance. The majority of Academy instructors are retired Gundam Pilots themselves, and are filled with knowledge that only comes with years of battlefield experience.

Initially a covert training facility with top-secret recruitment tactics, the Pilot Academy recently saw a need for more pilots amongst the Gundam ranks and instituted an “open enrollment” policy for training. Now all citizens with clear records are welcome to apply at http://www.gundampilotacademy.com. However, only the best and brightest will rise to the top of the class and be awarded their flight wings.

Pilot candidates are put through a grueling training regimen, earning flight hours as they complete each challenge put before them. As cadets and their squadrons rise in prestige, they are eligible for commendations, elevations in rank and other distinguished honors.